The Chinese Government has expressed its congratulations and goodwill to the new Government of East Timor, said the Chinese Embassy in the Asian country over the weekend.

Tian Guangfeng, Chinese Ambassador to East Timor, conveyed the message on the behalf of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a meeting with Hernâni Coelho, East Timor’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, on February 27.

China thanked the “valuable support” of East Timor on core issues involving Chinese interests, Mr Tian was quoted saying. “The trade and exchanges between the two sides have increased over the years and both sides… should continue to facilitate deepening bilateral cooperation,” he added.

Mr Coelho was quoted saying he hoped to take bilateral ties “to a new level” during his tenure.

The 37-strong cabinet of East Timor led by new Prime Minister Rui Araujo was sworn in last month, after the resignation of former leader Xanana Gusmão.